Daily Retreat 06/09/07
2007 Jun 9 Sat/BVM/Ephrem of Syria, d, dr
Tb 12:1. 5-15. 20/Tb 13:2. 6efgh. 7. 8/Mk 12:38-44
From today's readings: "Honor and proclaim God's deeds, and do not be slack in praising Him.... Blessed be God, who lives for ever.... Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury...."
Angelic Assistance
In due time, Raphael reveals his identity to Tobit and Tobias, and explains to them a few points of the economy of prayer and almsgiving. Some, however, would dismiss Raphael's explanation as antiquated, for faith which struggles to weather the hostile atmosphere of modern materialism is too often gradually eroded over time, and so it is that nominal Christians start thinking, talking, and acting just like atheistic humanists.
The whole Bible, however, reveals God as so personal - not in the limiting sense of the word (e.g., "personal" possessions), but in the intimately individually involved sense of the word (e.g., "personal" invitation). But this is out of place with the modern mindset. When he finds a lost ring, for instance, the secularly stained Christians of today would hardly offer God thanks for helpful angels or saintly intercessors. He might, if in a generously pious mood, even thank God for the impersonal intervention that led to such good fortune, but even an atheist can appreciate coincidental good luck.
But the Word of God teaches that our prayers, sacrifices, and good works are personally carried and echoed in solidarity by the heavenly host. How does that work? Well, when one speaks into a microphone, the physics of electromagnetic amplification far surpass the limitations of a solitary human voicebox. Likewise, when we pray and give alms, the blessing of angelic cooperation magnifies our humble efforts, making even the widow's mite, mighty indeed!
Tb 12:1. 5-15. 20/Tb 13:2. 6efgh. 7. 8/Mk 12:38-44
From today's readings: "Honor and proclaim God's deeds, and do not be slack in praising Him.... Blessed be God, who lives for ever.... Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury...."
Angelic Assistance
In due time, Raphael reveals his identity to Tobit and Tobias, and explains to them a few points of the economy of prayer and almsgiving. Some, however, would dismiss Raphael's explanation as antiquated, for faith which struggles to weather the hostile atmosphere of modern materialism is too often gradually eroded over time, and so it is that nominal Christians start thinking, talking, and acting just like atheistic humanists.
The whole Bible, however, reveals God as so personal - not in the limiting sense of the word (e.g., "personal" possessions), but in the intimately individually involved sense of the word (e.g., "personal" invitation). But this is out of place with the modern mindset. When he finds a lost ring, for instance, the secularly stained Christians of today would hardly offer God thanks for helpful angels or saintly intercessors. He might, if in a generously pious mood, even thank God for the impersonal intervention that led to such good fortune, but even an atheist can appreciate coincidental good luck.
But the Word of God teaches that our prayers, sacrifices, and good works are personally carried and echoed in solidarity by the heavenly host. How does that work? Well, when one speaks into a microphone, the physics of electromagnetic amplification far surpass the limitations of a solitary human voicebox. Likewise, when we pray and give alms, the blessing of angelic cooperation magnifies our humble efforts, making even the widow's mite, mighty indeed!
posted by FrPitstick | 6/08/2007
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